STEP CHANGE FOR SAFETY GLOBAL SHARING JUL 2013 - THE FIRST 100 STEPS | Page 25

CASE STUDY ON PILOT LADDER FAILURES
1. In 2012, there were three cases of pilot ladder failure at a major port in Asia. Investigations revealed that these failures were caused by degradation of the fibre rope and the failure point was where the rope goes through the wooden battens.

2. It was evident that the rope fibres had perished due to damp stowage conditions. These were vessels with short routes in the tropics. The pilot ladders were stowed near the pilot boarding position amidships. The pilot ladders were kept on a wooden pallet and were covered with a canvas cover immediately after use. Such stowage without allowing the pilot ladder to dry contributed heavily to the quick degrading of the fibres and permitted “damp rot” to set in.

3. 3.1

LESSONS LEARNT: Ship masters should ensure that pilot ladders are well laid out to dry. Before usage, the ropes of the pilot ladder should be inspected by twisting apart and checking the inner core for degradation.

3.2.